“Tori, let’s introduce Heidi to one person at a time. You haven’t even mentioned Rachel and Zander yet, and she already looks confused.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” She turned to Priscilla. “Honey, can you hang Michael’s and Heidi’s coats in the hall closet?”
“Never mind, I’ll do it.” Ellie slid her arm into Heidi’s, and walked her forward. “I want to have a few words with our guest, anyway.”
Michael groaned and followed them down the hallway.
****
When Michael said she looked confused, it was truly an understatement. Tori, who seemed to be a wonderful and loving woman, resembled a tornado. Another strong, confident woman in Michael’s family. Heidi may as well squelch any attraction to her knight in shining armor. Never would he look seriously upon a woman like her.
She sighed, and realized Ellie had stopped speaking and eyed her as if she waited for an answer to a question.
“Ellie, you’ve been rattling on and on for so long, it’s a wonder Heidi’s ears haven’t started bleeding. Allow the girl a chance to settle in before you overwhelm her.” Michael admonished.
Ellie turned to Heidi. “How do you ever stand this pompous brother of mine all day?” She gave Michael a gentle push. “Go find Uncle Jesse. He’s out in the back with Paul. Doing men stuff.”
Michael looked at Heidi with concern in his eyes. “Will you be all right?”
Her heart skipped a beat at his protectiveness. He overwhelmed her with his kindness, yet stood so far out of her reach.
Before she could respond, Ellie spoke up. “For heaven’s sake, Michael, I won’t eat the girl.” She shoved him by the shoulder. “Go. Find something to do.”
Ellie dragged her into the parlor where they both sat on the beautiful red damask sofa in front of a roaring fire. Two arched doorways flanking either side of the fireplace led to a dining room Heidi could only see part of. A large gold framed mirror graced the wall to their left, reflecting cherry wood tables scattered around the room. The polished surface of the tables held milk glass lamps, casting off warm light. She smiled at a curio cabinet bulging with children’s drawings and homemade artwork. The entire room enveloped her in a sense of peace and belonging.
“Since my pesky brother is gone, tell me all about yourself.” Ellie had turned toward her.
“There really isn’t much to tell.”
Ellie drew back and raised her eyebrows. “Is that so? All right, then I’ll ask questions. How long have you lived in Guthrie?”
“Not long. Just a few days before Michael hired me in the store.” Ellie didn’t seem satisfied with such a simple answer, so Heidi told her the story of her arrival in Guthrie. As she spoke, her muscles relaxed, and she actually enjoyed sharing her hopes and disappointments with Michael’s sister. Ellie murmured comforting words at the right time, patted her hand occasionally, and generally offered sympathy without pity, which helped.
Heidi waved her hand in front of her face. “My goodness, I never talked so much in my life.” Did her emotions, or the heat from the fire, compel her body flush? At the same time she felt almost giddy. She’d never had a friend to gossip with, as most girls her age did. Her isolated childhood prevented any type of confiding in others.
Ellie took her hand. “Heidi, based on what you’ve told me, you are one strong woman.”
Heidi’s eyes grew wide. “Strong?” She shook her head furiously. “No. You’re wrong. I’m such a coward.”
“You think so?” Ellie smiled. “You left the home you were practically a prisoner in. You rented a room, got a job, and defied your parents.”
Heidi continued to stare at her. This wonderful, confident, capable woman thought her strong? Mirth bubbled up inside her and rose to her throat. She covered her mouth and laughed.
“I’m serious,” Ellie said.
“All right, Ellie, I’m taking Heidi back now before you corrupt her.” Michael entered the room with an older man and three boys tagging along, all of them red-faced from the outdoors.
“Uncle Jesse, may I present Miss Heidi Lester, my new employee.”
Senator Cochran moved forward and took Heidi’s hands, raising her from the sofa. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lester.” Then he gave her a hug much like Tori did. The Cochrans were truly an amazing family.
He released her and turned to the boys. “These are my three rascals, Paul-the birthday boy-Henry, and Benjamin. Gentlemen,” he addressed the boys, “say hello to Miss Lester.”
All three boys politely offered their hands and shook hers. “Can we leave now, Papa?” Paul was already half out of the room when he asked. At Jesse’s nod the three raced up the stairs, pushing and shoving, to do whatever little boys did.
Jesse settled in the chair across from her, resting his boot covered foot on his bent knee. “Sit down, Michael, you look like a mama bear guarding her cub.” He waved to a chair, but kept his eyes on Heidi.
****